Athletic TrainingAthletic TrainingAthletic TrainingAthletic Training
The ugly side of the jobThe ugly side of the job
Legal Issues• Even though when an athlete
chooses to participate in a sport and risks becoming injured or permanently disabled, the ATC may be subject to legal liability
• It is important for an ATC to understand certain legal terminology
Legal Jargon• Negligence-failure to act as a reasonably
prudent person would act in a similar situation– Ex. An ATC finds a huge hole on the field
hockey field and instead of reporting it and making people aware of it, he/she does nothing.
• Gross negligence-a step beyond negligence.– Ex. Not giving an injured person instructions on
what to do, even if it’s a simple injury.
More Legal Jargon• Assumption of risk-when a person fully
understands that by participating in sports he/she may be injured– Players must understand that they are assuming the
risk of being injured by participating in a sport.
• Informed consent-permission by parents (after being informed of the possible dangers of being injured) for the medical staff to treat their child if he/she is injured
Last but not least…• Proximate cause-the close
connection between the way the ATC acted and the resulting injury to an athlete.– Ex. If an athlete has a neck injury and
the ATC notices weakness and lack of movement in the neck area, but allows the athlete to continue to play, a more serious injury could result.
Avoiding Legal Problems
• Have a written contract– ATCs, coaches, and other pertinent
personnel should have a detailed contract that provides a job description
• Use equipment that meets established safety standards
• Require preparticipation physical exams– Can help identify existing conditions that
may lead to an injury
Avoiding Legal Problems
• Have all athletes and their parents/guardians sign an assumption of risk form
• Maintain CPR, AED, first aid certifications• Have a crisis plan
– Must have in writing for both home and away contests. Should explain all procedures that need to be carried out and everyone involved should have a copy and know their role.
• Document all injuries and procedures
Avoiding Legal Problems
• Maintain confidentiality– Required by law to keep medical
information confidential
• Build trust• Check for hazards
– Periodically examine athletic fields and courts for hazards
• Stay educated
Preventing Injuries• Reducing the risk of legal liability
includes practicing comprehensive injury prevention.
• A comprehensive injury prevention program includes the following:
• Educating the athlete– Teaching athlete about the dangers
involved with sports and the proper technique of his particular sport
Comprehensive Injury Prevention Program
• Rule enforcement– Teaching the athletes the rules to help
prevent injuries
• Proper matching– Athletes should be matched by several
factors including weight, age, and skill level
• Physical fitness– Being physically fit can help reduce one’s
risk of injury